Systems Analysis and Design: Information Gathering through Unobtrusive Methods

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Questions and Answers

What is a key benefit of unobtrusive methods for information gathering?

They provide more accurate results than interactive methods.

They are only used in quantitative research.

They are more time-consuming than interactive methods.

They are less disruptive to the environment being studied. (correct)

What is the primary purpose of sampling in human information requirements analysis?

To eliminate irrelevant data from the study

To select the entire population for study

To ensure all data is qualitative

To systematically select representative elements of a population (correct)

What is the name of the technique used to observe and interpret the decision-maker's environment?

FRAME

STROBE (correct)

SPECTRA

SCOPE

What is the goal of constructing an analyst's playscript?

To observe decision-maker activities Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of using multiple methods in information gathering?

It provides a more comprehensive understanding of the environment Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between quantitative and qualitative document analysis?

Quantitative involves numbers, qualitative involves words Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of records in a business?

To provide periodic updates of business activities Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of inspecting a record?

It enables the detection of errors in amounts and totals Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to collect examples of all forms in use?

To determine the distribution pattern of each form Signup and view all the answers

What is a question to ask when reviewing a filled-out form?

Is the form filled out in its entirety? Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of observing the number and type of transactions in a record?

To understand the business activities and identify areas for improvement Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to compare the intended distribution pattern of a form with who actually receives it?

To ensure that all copies of the form are circulated to the proper people Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Analyst's Playscript?

To record the actions of decision-makers using action verbs Signup and view all the answers

What is STROBE an acronym for?

STructured OBservation of the Environment Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the elements of STROBE?

Office location Signup and view all the answers

What can be observed through STROBE to confirm or negate the organizational narrative?

Particulars of the surroundings Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the corner office in STROBE?

It indicates the office of the most influential decision-maker Signup and view all the answers

What type of information is often gathered through STROBE?

Qualitative data Signup and view all the answers

What does the checkmark symbol indicate in the STROBE evaluation?

The narrative is confirmed Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the oval or eye-shaped symbol in the STROBE evaluation?

To serve as a cue to look further Signup and view all the answers

What does the square symbol indicate in the STROBE evaluation?

Observation modifies the narrative Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of the circle symbol in the STROBE evaluation?

The narrative is supplemented by observation Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the technique used to evaluate the consistency of observations with interview results?

STROBE Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of creating an anecdotal list with symbols?

To evaluate the consistency of observations with interview results Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about a decision maker who prefers a large storage area?

They prefer to gather and store information personally Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about a decision maker who uses a PC, smart phone, or tablet computer in the office?

They value technology in their workspace Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about an office with warm and inviting colors?

It is designed for casual communication Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about a decision maker who wears conservative suits?

They value authority and respect Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of analyzing a decision maker's office?

To identify their communication style Signup and view all the answers

What is the main idea behind the STROBE framework?

To identify a decision maker's characteristics Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Unobtrusive Methods for Information Gathering

Unobtrusive methods are less disruptive and can be used in conjunction with interactive methods
They involve observing and collecting data without influencing the behavior of the individuals being studied

Sampling

Sampling is a process of systematically selecting representative elements of a population
It involves two key decisions: what to examine and which people to consider
A good sample should be representative of the population and be of an appropriate size

Document Analysis

Quantitative document analysis involves analyzing numerical data from documents
Qualitative document analysis involves analyzing non-numerical data from documents
Records provide periodic updates of what is occurring in the business and can be inspected for errors, opportunities for improvement, and instances for computerization
Data capture forms can provide insight into the type of data being collected and how it is being used

Observation

Observation involves observing the behavior of decision-makers and recording their actions using action verbs
An analyst's playscript is a tool used to observe decision-maker behavior and record their actions
STROBE (Structured Observation of the Business Environment) is a technique for observing the decision-maker's physical environment
STROBE elements include office location, desk placement, stationary equipment, props, external information sources, office lighting and color, and clothing worn by decision makers

Applying STROBE

STROBE can be used to confirm or negate the organizational narrative obtained through interviews or questionnaires
The five symbols used to evaluate how observation of the STROBE elements compared with interview results are:,, , and
An anecdotal list with symbols can be used to summarize the results of the STROBE analysis

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Description

This quiz covers the importance of unobtrusive methods in information gathering, understanding sampling for human information requirements analysis, and constructing useful samples for determining human information requirements. It also focuses on creating an analyst's playscript for observation. Test your knowledge of systems analysis and design!